Instagram tests shoppable tags

Advertisements have long become an integral part of everybody’s Instagram feeds and it was clearly a matter of time, when Instagram will take it to the next level. Next week, the company is starting to test a new feature that will enable users to shop inside the app. “More than 84% of smartphone users in the US browse, research or compare products via a web browser or mobile app. While browsing and discovery is easy on mobile, finding more information about the specific products you see isn’t always as simple. Today we’re excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram,” the company said on its blog.

The posts on the pages of the specified brands will now include shoppable photo tags. You will need to tap on the photo for a tag on various products in the post to appear — showcasing up to five products and their prices. Once you tap on the specified product’s tag, a detailed view of the product will open. “This functionality will bring important product information to the consumer earlier in the journey, all without having to leave the Instagram app to search,” says Instagram. On the product page, the users will see Shop Now option, which is, once tapped, takes you to the product’s page, where you can purchase it.

Instagram is testing the new functionality in the US and only on iOS. The brands participating in the test include Abercrombie & Fitch, BaubleBar, Chubbies, Coach, Hollister, J.Crew, JackThreads, kate spade new york, Levi’s Brand, Lulus, Macy’s, Michael Kors, MVMT Watches, Target, Tory Burch, Warby Parker, and Shopbop.